Former Bolton manager Coyle confirmed as new Wigan boss on 12-month rolling deal

Owen Coyle yesterday was given the task of taking Wigan Athletic back into the Premier League at the first go by owner Dave Whelan.

The Scot beat more than 40 others, among them former England coach Steve McClaren, to become Roberto Martinez’s successor.

Whelan said the ex-Burnley and Bolton boss was a stand-out: ‘Owen’s done it all before by taking Burnley into the Premier League. He didn’t have the same success at Bolton, but sometimes these things go against you. Of all the candidates to apply, he was the best.’

Deal in place: Former Bolton manager Owen Coyle has been appointed as the new manager of Wigan Athletic much to the delight of midfielder James McArthur (below right)

But Whelan added: ‘He has a lot of
work on and has to start immediately.’ Coyle was sacked by Bolton nine
months ago after a poor run in the Championship after relegation.

But the 46-year-old made his name after guiding Burnley to a shock promotion four years ago.

Coyle’s first game in charge will be
in the Championship on August 3 – the fixtures are released on
Wednesday. He will also lead out the FA Cup winners at Wembley in the
Community Shield against Manchester United on August 11.

Samir Nasri challenges James McArthur

Martinez left for Everton after winning
the FA Cup, but another aspect of his legacy was relegation to the
Championship, and that is where Coyle wants to focus his attentions.

'Everybody recognises Wigan as a
fantastic club with a chairman who wants to get back in the Premier
League,' Coyle told Sky Sports News.

'It was a blow to lose that status and we will look to get it back as quickly as possible.

'It's a great opportunity and one I am looking forward to. We have a
deal in principle and the legalities are now being sorted out. I hope to
get it signed on Monday.'

Coyle was sacked by Bolton last year after making a faltering start to
his attempt to put right their own relegation from the top flight.

Confirmed: Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has picked Owen COyle

He has been promoted to the Premier League before, though, and believes
his achievements with both St Johnstone and Burnley will have helped
him.

'I'm really pleased the chairman has said nice things and I think a fantastic track record will have impressed him,' he added.

'I've been there and I'm looking forward to trying to get Wigan back in the Premier League.'

Wigan's FA Cup win will see them juggle the 46-game Championship slog
with a Europa League campaign, meaning Coyle will need a big squad to
pick from.

Whether the likes of star names Callum McManaman, James McCarthy and Arouna Kone are part of it remains to be seen, though.

Best candidate: Whelan said Coyle was the best option, despite Coyle being relegated with Bolton

'There are a lot of talented players and what excited me was that there are so many,' he said.

'We have to add a few because we lost our Premier League status. Some will leave and some will be coming in.

'We want to keep the main ones, sure we do. But the chairman always said
if the right offer comes in, he'd never stand in someone's way. It's a
talented squad.'

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midfielder James McArthur tweeted: 'Happy with the new appointment in
Owen Coyle another scot. Hopefully everyone can get behind him and the
team for new season'.

And Gary Lineker added on Twitter:
'Wigan appoint Owen Coyle as their new manager, clearly looking to
spring straight back to the Premier League.'

Close call: Former England boss Steve McClaren was a front runner for the vacancy but was beaten to the job by Coyle

The Scot's
appointment comes nine days after Martinez's departure was confirmed as
he took up the managerial vacancy at Everton following four years in
charge at Wigan.

Martinez led the club to memorable FA Cup glory last season but opted to leave after they also suffered relegation from the Premier League.

Coyle's main priority next term will be to secure an immediate return to England's top flight although he will also have Europa League football to contend with for the first time in the club's history.